Another strong episode of The Walking Dead this week, as the
pressure is on for our prison dwellers. With the flu-like symptoms worsening,
surrounding prison fences breaking and the consequences of Rick’s decision
looming – how will he and Herschel step up as leaders?
In all honesty, Internment is Herschel’s hour to shine.
Still in the quarantined zone he moves from cell to cell, placing comfort above
all else, as the number one priority for his patients. In some ways, he is the
complete opposite to Carol. Rather than burning the infected he looks after
them, keeping them alive for medication that is hopefully on its way – he is fighting for their survival. He is a man of true care and compassion, even disposing of dead
victims in a discreet manner so not to worry the other patients, even though
they most likely know the outcome. A miracle worker to some, a "tough
son of a bitch" to others, in essence Herschel is the man.
Nobody can deny this either, especially when the shit hits
the fan and half of the flu-victims turn into walkers, overrunning the cell
block. It’s yet another impressive set piece as tight frames, dark lighting and
claustrophobic corners convey a sense of true chaos, whilst Herschel attempts
to control the situation alone. Even though intensity and apprehension is rife, good
old Herschel still finds the time to lure the walkers away from sight, to shoot
them off one by one – like a compassionate bad ass, if you will.
This is not to say he fought the battle totally alone,
Maggie did intervene – although primarily to save Glenn’s life – and he may
have hesitated once or twice. Nevertheless he stepped up as a leader and a
fighter this week, but whether he’ll recuperate from this nightmare is another
matter. In conversation with Rick, he still believes a bigger,
religious force is at play in this post-apocalyptic scenario, but what's the answer here? Will faith
get him through it this time?
Meanwhile Rick is battling with his conscience following
his decision to exonerate Carol from the group. Driving back to the prison, his
thoughts are clear – did I just leave Carol to die? Have I made the right
choice? After telling Maggie she seemed to think so, no matter how hard a
decision it was, but it is safe to say Daryl will not be half as understanding - which is perhaps why Rick hasn't told him the news yet.
Although where his conscience is clouded, clarity exudes in what it means to be a father, a leader. You can retain a semblance of innocence as a leading figure,
whether you find that in farming and munching on a few green beans or not. Yet,
in a similar situation to the quarantined cell block, a moment of chaos takes
place as the surrounding prison fences break and a horde of walkers infiltrate
the grounds. So when a situation calls for it, like Herschel, you can also become a
ruthless killing machine and share a machine gun shoot-out with your son. No
tight frames or fast editing necessary here, instead just a static medium shot
to detail an action-packed annihilation, which makes for an equally effective set piece.
Through internment strong leaders prevail and this week, both
Rick and Herschel epitomise this notion. Be it faith, fatherhood or even a few
machine guns at hand, the two truly stepped up reigning over intense chaos. But
impending flu and walker hordes are easy, it’s an angry Daryl and an eye-patch that
may shake the recent feats of our triumphant hero’s.
What were your thoughts on this episode of The Walking Dead? Post a comment!
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